Scorchers Eye Best Runners-Up Place

Malawi's Scorchers have missed the first place in Group A for automatic progression to the semi-finals of the COSAFA Women's Championship, being barred by head-to-head record which favours South Africa in their group.

The team produced a commanding 8-1 win over Lesotho, thanks to Deborah Henry's hat-trick, Ireen Khumalo's brace, and lone strikes from Vanessa Chikupira, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, and Olivia Phikani, to secure the win.

The win took Malawi up to second in their group with three points, but following South Africa's 2-0 win over Angola, the hosts have secured a semi-final place.

Head coach Lovemore Fazili said, "I knew that we would win with many goals because it is what we trained for, so I'm very happy."

Malawi will face Angola in the final group match, where the winner has a chance to progress as a best runner-up to the semis.